Quentin de Pimodan
(Member, International Advisory Board, Research Institute
for European and American Studies (RIEAS), Athens, Greece )
Copyright: Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 18 July 2020
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)
One common characteristic the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union share as of today, is their lack of ability to coordinate their foreign policies. Forcing both to act in smaller “units” composed of several members of their respective unions. If internal mechanisms can still reveal efficient cooperating platforms on issues of common interests (military trainings , anti-corruption , culture , maritime security ), the competing goals among countries push them to favor bilateral engagements rather than multilateral platforms. It is in that vein that several countries of the GCC and of the EU are now deepening their ties outside of the unions’ frameworks and based on short-terms convergence of interests. Another common characteristic both unions share, is the acknowledgement of the United-States’ disengagement from the Gulf region, and the strong hints of US’s willingness to reduce its presence and support to its EU partners . ..Read more